Merging bridge authorities is found worthy of study

The merger of Western New York’s two bridge authorities is worthy of further study, a state commission found this week.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Spending and Government Efficiency Commission released its final report on ways to cut costs in government and issued several recommendations.

The commission wasn’t able to fully study the merger of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, which operates the Peace Bridge, and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, which operates three bridges in Niagara County, but said such a study is warranted, the commission recommended.

“The two entities exist separately, more because of their separate historical development than any organizational or operational logic,” the report stated.

“The two entities already cooperate to some extent, but could benefit from a unified management structure.”

Any merger of the authorities would require cooperation of the U.S. and Canadian governments.